Three impaired drivers apprehended during first weekend of Christmas Check Stop campaign

During the first weekend of the annual Christmas Check Stop campaign Lethbridge Police, in partnership with Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP, checked approximately 350 vehicles and removed three impaired drivers from the road.

In addition, police issued five Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Cautions, 47 violation tickets, towed nine vehicles and executed three warrants. 

Under the provincial IRS program, if a driver is found to be impaired by drugs or alcohol, an IRS Fail will be issued resulting in a 15-month suspension (with the option of getting an ignition interlock device after the first three months), 30-day vehicle seizure, $1,000 fine and mandatory completion of the Planning Ahead course. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .05 or over are subject to an IRS Caution resulting in an immediate three-day license suspension and vehicle seizure along with a $300 fine. Penalties increase with repeated offences. 

There is zero tolerance for drivers with a Graduated Driver’s License and offences result in an immediate 30-day license suspension, seven-day vehicle seizure and $200 fine. 

LPS would like to thank volunteers from MADD Lethbridge and Area for their continued support and attendance at local Check Stops. 

The Christmas Check Stop program will continue throughout December and into the New Year in an effort to apprehend impaired drivers. If you are going to drink or use other intoxicating substances, plan ahead and make arrangements for a safe ride home. 

If you observe a suspected impaired driver, call 911 immediately. We also ask the community to refrain from sharing the location of any Check Stop on social media as doing so assists impaired drivers avoid detection and puts all road users at risk. Thank you for doing you part to help make our roads safer.